Diaper Time: May 2011

Archer Michael Pattie

May 26, 3:41 pm

8 lbs, 4 oz, 19 inches

Birth Story: On May 26, 2011, Mama was scheduled for a c-section at RMH by Dr. Jennifer Visger. Grammy O'Donnell and Grandpa O'Donnell had travelled down with their 2 cats (Dash and Sammy) to our house the week before. Grandpa Pattie and Gail, Aunt Valerie and Uncle John all travelled down to Staunton to be there for Archer's birth.

The night before the scheduled c-section, Mama was up with a horrible headache - she thought it was allergy related since everyone else in the house had a headache. In the early morning hours of May 26, Mama called her doctor b/c the headache was unbearable. She was originally scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 1 pm, but doctor told her to come in right away. Turns out, Mama had really high blood pressure. She was admitted to the hospital and given pain medication and medicine to reduce the blood pressure. Everyone arrived to the hospital early. Mama ended up going in to the OR for the c-section at 3 pm. Daddy was outfitted in hospital garb and had to wait outside the OR while Mama was given anesthesia.

After 2 spinals (1st didn't take), Daddy joined Mama in the OR, along with the anestheseologist, Dr. V and several other nurses, etc...

Daddy stood at Mama's head while Dr. Visger began operating. Daddy and the anestheseologist talked and comforted Mama while Archer was being delivered! The Anestheseologist had 4 daughters under 4 - so he and Daddy negotiated a potential arranged marriage for Archer and his daughter of choice!

Archer was born - Mama remembers the feeling of him being pushed out of her tummy - surprised that she would feel it. It was the best feeling in the world feeling him come into the world and hearing his cry. Mama began to cry and Daddy went over to hold him while the umbillical cord was cut. He was weighed in and Daddy brought him over to Mama. Mama was overwhelmed with happiness and feelings she had never felt. Daddy was so overwhelmed and proud and went with Archer to the nursery to be cleaned up while Mama was sewed up.

Mama was sewed up and wheeled into her recovery room. She passed by the windows of the nursery where all the family was crying watching baby Archer. He was super active, just like he was in Mama's tummy - kicking and moving like crazy - none of the other babies were this active and the nursery was full!!!

Daddy came in to join Mama. Grandpa O'Donnell and Aunt Val both tried to sneak into the recovery room to see Mama but were quickly asked to leave by the nurse so Mama could recover.

Mama lost a lot of blood and had to have 2 bags transfused. Baby joined Mama and Daddy and Daddy helped Mama nurse Baby for the first time - he latched on right away!!

Mama was happy to see that the family had decorated the room for her birthday and for Baby Archer's birthday (which is shared!). Family joined Daddy, Mama, and Archer where everyone got a chance to hold and love on him!